School of Public Affairs

Preparing leaders for government and nonprofits

Lead.Solve.Change.

Public affairs topics are at the center of almost every national debate.

From education policy to affordable housing, criminal justice reform to energy independence, these issues affect our neighborhoods, our cities and our society as a whole. To move forward and find solutions, the country needs leaders and collaborators with in-depth knowledge and a long-term vision.

Determined to make a difference in your community?

As Colorado’s top school for public affairs, public administration and criminal justice, CU Denver School of Public Affairs is a great place to start.

Our U.S. News & World Report 2020 Best Graduate Schools rankings:

#1 Best Public Affairs Program in Colorado (#25 in the nation)#1 in Environmental Policy and Management in Colorado (#11 in the nation)#1 in Public Finance and Budgeting in Colorado (#17 in the nation)#1 in Nonprofit Management in Colorado (#21 in the nation)#1 in Public Management and Leadership in Colorado (#23 in the nation)#1 Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs in Colorado (#19 in the nation)

Support our students

Criminal Justice

Defend the innocent, use big data, solve crimes

Our criminal justice programs prepare students for a changing workforce and continued learning. Some use their degree as a stepping stone to executive positions in law enforcement, crime analysis and human services, while others want to expand their knowledge of criminal justice before law school.

Public Affairs

Put good policy ideas into practice

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 25 percent of all jobs are in government or nonprofit sectors. With 30 percent of government employees eligible to retire in 2016, the demand for public administrators continues to rise.

Certificates and professional development

Certificate programs

Focus on your interests and passion

Our certificate programs provide a great opportunity to add to your skills and knowledge in your particular area of interest, whether you want to advance in your current job or transition into a new one. Credits earned in certificate programs can be applied toward our master’s degree programs.

Professional & leadership development

Strengthen your skills, grow your network

The School of Public Affairs is home to nationally renowned programs that provide training to current and future leaders. From public managers to education policy experts, our program participants have developed new skills, expanded their networks and recharged their careers.

Featured research

A Comparative Diagnosis of Policy Conflicts: Examining Unconventional Oil and Gas Development across the US

Principal Researchers:

Professors Tanya Heikkila and Christopher Weible, University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs

Student Researchers:

Jennifer Kagan and Jill YordyThis project explores differences across state-level policy decisions related to oil and gas development over the past decade, to provide an understanding of how different policy contexts influence the intensity of conflicts and their outcomes.